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No. -1. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary (No. 588.) Sir, —■ 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 7th July, 1880. Referring to previous communications respecting the appointment of an Inspector of Prisons in New Zealand, I have the honor to inform you that I have selected Captain Arthur Hume, late of the 79th Highlanders, for the office. Captain Hume is forty years of age, and has served as DeputyGovernor of Her Majesty's convict prisons of Millbank, Dartmoor, Portland, and Wormwood Scrubs. Sir Edmund Du Cane, in recommending Captain Hume for the appointment, states that he is in every respect qualified for the post, having had considerable and varied experience in the working of both close and publie-w-orks prisons since his appointment as Deputy-Governor in August, 1874, and that he has performed his duties in such a way as to merit Sir E. Du Cane's entire approbation. Captain Hume and his family, consisting of Mrs. Hume and six sons (the eldest aged thirteen), will, it is proposed, leave this country for the colony in the steamer "Durham," which sails on the 15th September direct for Lyttelton. I may add that I have had a personal interview with Captain Hume, and feel every confidence that he is well fitted for the appointment. I have authorized him to visit any modern prisons which he may consider it desirable to see, and also some of the reformatories of Great Britain, for the purpose of making himself as fully acquainted as possible with the latest methods adopted in such establishments in respect of discipline, appliances, and buildings. The terms and conditions of Captain Hume's appointment will be similar to those mentioned in the printed statement, which I issued for the information of candidates, copy of which I herewith enclose. I will have a formal agreement prepared by Messrs. Mackrell, and duly executed by Captain Hume before he leaves for New Zealand. I have, &c., Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial-Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 4. For Enclosure, see Enclosure 3 in No. 2, ante page 2.

No. 5. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary (No. 651.) Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W , 10th August, 1880. I have the honor to enclose, for your information, copy of correspondence which has taken place with Captain Hume, who has been appointed Inspector of Prisons in New Zealand. As you will perceive, Captain Hume makes an application for Government quarters and medical attendance, and, while pointing out to him, in reply, that I have no power to hold out such expectations, I have promised to submit the question for the consideration of the Government. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 5 Captain Hume to the Agent-General. Sir,— 3, Boscombe Road, Shepherd's Bush, W., 27th July, 1880. With reference to my appointment as Inspector of Prisons, New Zealand, I have the honor to request you will forward and recommend for the favourable consideration of the Government this my application to be granted Government quarters, or lodging allowance in lieu, and medical attendance for myself and family, from the date of my Landing in New Zealand. Both of these allowances are invariably given with prison appointments, and from all I can learn I believe I shall have great difficulty in taking a house in Wellington unless one is provided by the Government. I forward this request at once, in order that the necessary entry may be made in the legal agreement you are causing to be drawn out. I have, &c, A. Hume, Captain, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Inspector of Prisons, New Zealand.

Enclosure 2 in No. 5. The Agent-General to Captain Hume. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 4th August, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo. I cannot hold out to you any prospect of the request contained in it being complied with, and I doubt if it is the custom to make such allowances with respect to the appointment in question. lam not aware, for example, that Sir Edmund Du Cane receives such allowances, and, relatively, the appointment is somewhat analogous to that of the head of the department in England. I am, &c, Julius Vogel, Captain Hume. Agent-General.